South Australian police are investigating two suspected hate crimes after offensive material was discovered at a family home in Adelaide's western suburbs and near a popular beach. The incidents have left a Jewish father of seven feeling shaken but defiant.
Camden Park home targeted
Rosti Sverdlov told 7NEWS he discovered swastikas and antisemitic slogans spray-painted across his fence and front entry at his Camden Park home on Saturday morning. He had just stepped outside to walk his dog when he saw the graffiti. "After 7 October, we expect everything — but not to target myself, not to target my kids," he said, referring to the Hamas attack on Israel last year.
Police were called just before 7.40am on Saturday after reports of offensive material at the home. Officers found an offensive symbol, text, and damage to a vehicle parked at the property. CCTV from a neighbouring house shows a dark-coloured sedan arriving at 4am, with two people approaching the property. Sverdlov says they sprayed his doorbell camera before covering the fence in hate-filled messages, then slashed the tyres of the family's vehicles before driving off minutes later.
Police seek suspects
Acting Assistant Commissioner Scott Fitzgerald said police are looking for two suspects caught on CCTV. The motive remains unclear, but the use of the symbols "appears to be because the occupants are Jewish." Fitzgerald urged anyone who knows the suspects or their associates to come forward. "There is no place in South Australia for antisemitism, hatred or discrimination of any kind and we unequivocally condemn it," he said.
Second incident at Moana
SAPOL is also investigating a second report of offensive material found near the Moana boat ramp at 9.30am on Sunday. However, police say the damage appears old and is not linked to the Camden Park incident.
Community reaction
Neighbours have expressed disgust at the attack. "Lovely man and a lovely family — and it just made me want to vomit, to be honest. I think it's disgusting," neighbour Joyce Chapman said. Acting Premier Kyam Maher said he hopes those responsible are brought to justice. "I very much hope that whoever did this is caught — and that they come down like a ton of bricks on whoever did this," he said.
Family remains defiant
Sverdlov, who says he never hides his Jewish identity, told 7NEWS the attack has left his family fearful but defiant. "They could kill us," he said. "I don't know. But [a] message to them: I'm not afraid. I'm not afraid." Fitzgerald also said that incidents like this can leave communities feeling targeted and vulnerable, and urged anyone who experiences criminal damage or harassment to report it immediately so police can investigate and build a broader picture of racism and discrimination in the community.
